Thursday 18 June 2015

FW: LVSC health update - mid-June 2015

 

June 2015

Dear colleague,

Welcome to an additional mid-June 2015 edition of our regular health ebulletin generally bringing you news from LVSC, Regional Voices (of which LVSC is a constituent member), the Department of Health, Public Health England, Care Quality Commission and NHS England.

This bulletin contains: LVSC's Whole System's Change event report; London Assembly Review on TB; Options for integrated commissioning from the King's Fund; Making Integration a reality (SE London Commissioning Support Unit); Navigating the Complex NHS procurement tool and other information and events.

Don't forget to complete LVSC's PEACe survey below!

If you wish to discuss any items to be included in future bulletins, please feel free to contact me.

Kind regards

Sandra

Sandra van der Feen

Policy Officer, LVSC

sandra@lvsc.org.uk

Mondays - Wednesdays only

 

LVSC news

Whole Systems Change: Co-producing models of health & care - report has been published!

80 people attended the event, which took place on 16th April. It aimed to:

  • Understand the complexities of the current health and care system and the need for change.
  • Explore the role of the of the voluntary & community sector (VCS), local communities and patient bodies in shaping and co-producing the new models of primary and community care as set out in the Five Year Forward View and Better Health for London
  • Discuss the role of the patient and communities in integrated pathways to delivering healthier individuals and healthier communities.
  • Start the process of developing a framework / roadmap to enable the sectors,including CCGs to co-produce, shape and deliver new models of health and care and healthier communities.

We will be reporting soon on actions we intend to take regarding the Five Year Forward View & and the transformation agenda in London.

Link to the report

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London wide news

London Assembly review into Tuberculosis (TB) in London

The London Assembly Health Committee is conducting an investigation into tuberculosis in London. London has amongst the highest incidence of TB disease in any western capital city, and almost 40 per cent of all UK cases occur in London. There are significant variations in the number of cases in different areas of London and within different groups in the population. Public Health England has identified TB as a priority area for action and has recently launched a national collaborative strategy to tackle TB.

The Mayor of London has a duty to have regard to health inequalities in London when developing his policies. The Committee will be particularly looking at how the Mayor and other local government agencies can support the control and management of TB in the capital. As part of our investigation, they are seeking written submissions from stakeholders.

The Committee would welcome your views on the following key questions to help inform their work.

  • Why is it important to focus on TB in London now?
  • What are the main challenges for improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of TB in London?
  • How do stigma and lack of awareness affect TB control in London?
  • Which agencies and organisations need to be involved in tackling TB in London?
  • How can the Mayor and the GLA support the delivery of the national TB strategy in London?
  • What examples of good practice are there in London (and further afield) in TB control?

Please do also feel free to pass this request on to any interested colleagues who may also wish to contribute their views.

The Committee would be grateful if you could reply by email to Lucy Brant, the officer supporting this investigation, either by email (preferable) to scrutiny@london.gov.uk or by post to The Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen's Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Please submit your views on the key questions above by 30 July 2015.

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National news & information

Integration

Options for integrated commissioning – Beyond Barker: the King's Fund

The King's Fund says that with around 400 separate local organisations each responsible for commissioning different health and social care services, the current organisational landscape is fragmented and unsustainable. Support is growing for a new settlement based on a single ring-fenced budget and a single local commissioner – as recommended by the independent Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England, chaired by Kate Barker.

This report explores the options for implementing that recommendation. It assesses evidence of past joint commissioning attempts, studies the current policy framework and local innovations in integrated budgets and commissioning, and considers which organisation is best place to take on the role of single local commissioner. The paper draws together findings from a body of work including a survey of existing joint arrangements, current evidence and examples, a seminar with pioneers of integration developments, and a national conference on integrated commissioning.

Also read Richard Humphries' blog: Never a better time to make integration happen

And a helpful illustrated summary of the King's Fund recommendations for integrated commissioning

Lastly, the King's Fund is also offering a FREE online event on 21st July exploring the options for integrated commissioning as proposed in their report above.

Date 21st July from 2-2.50pm
More information and registration

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Making Integrated Care a reality – collaboration to reduce demand – South East London CSU

This resource was produced in January this year, but we wanted to publicise it in case you haven't come across it yet.

The guide should provide CCGs with additional information on the theory and practice
of working with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to develop integrated care. The
contents  build on the work of Greenwich CCG and other research and pilots focused on
integration. When preparing this guide, commissioners asked the CSU to compile a snapshot of
material that covered integration: they wanted the materials to provide the starting point for
having a shared peer dialogue which could encourage exploration and learning together.

This resource guide focuses on engagement and collaboration of partners rather than the public: it focuses on the role that the VCS can play in helping to shape a new way of thinking about the integration of services. It will also provide you with useful information on key themes emerging from the Greenwich case study and wider integration learning which draws on a variety of resources.

The VCS can arm themselves with this resource as well to help them plan and develop partnerships and relationships with their CCGs.

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Navigating the complex NHS procurement system toolkit

One of the Regional Voices network members has kindly alerted us to this fabulous tool from the Eastern Academic Health and Science Network.  It provides essential information for Small & Medium sized Enterprises (SME's) on how to navigate the complex NHS Procurement system.

The detailed tool takes you through:

  • The process of who's involved and how it works
  • What data you need to provide
  • Where you can get help
  • And who you could talk to

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Solutions from the Frontline

A new report, launched by Making Every Adult Matter (a coalition of Clinks, Homeless Link, and Mind) shows that people experiencing a combination of homelessness, substance misuse, offending, and mental health problems, are not getting the support they need because "policymakers are not consistently listening to them or the practitioners that support them."

Solutions from the Frontline is based on the ideas and experiences of people with multiple needs. It sets out how the new Government, as well as national and local policymakers and commissioners, can act to reduce stigma, improve services, and support people to achieve their ambitions.

The report's recommendations include:

  • Listen to frontline voices and tackle stigma: The views of those with direct experience of multiple needs should be integrated into policy-making and the design and delivery of services.
  • Deliver flexible and more joined-up services: Government and commissioners need to prioritise multiple needs and ensure that they are joined-up, flexible and don't allow anyone to fall through the gaps.
  • Support people towards independence: Back-to-work support providers and local authorities should improve access to personalised support and quality accommodation to allow people with multiple needs to move towards independence.

Making Every Adult Matter is calling for a new approach, where people experiencing multiple needs are placed at the centre of their own support, listened to, understood and have all their needs addressed.
 

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Survey

LVSC / PEACe survey - Help us to improve HR services for the VCSE

What are the HR and employment law challenges that you face on a daily basis? LVSC's voluntary and community sector led service, PEACe, wants to know what you need from an HR and employment law supplier. Even if you have never heard of PEACe before, your opinion is of great importance, and by sharing it you will help us to provide the support that both your organisation and the sector really needs.

Our survey takes no more than 5 minutes to complete, and all participants will be entered into a prize draw for £50.  This research is part of an exciting new project to explore the expansion of PEACe's services throughout the UK. Thanks for taking part and best of luck!

The deadline for completion of the survey is 25th June 2015. Take part now.

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Events & training

Training on using the Freedom of Information Act

Campaign for Freedom of Information is running another training course using he Freedom of Information Act!

Date: 7 July.
Do you want to learn how to use the Freedom of Information Act? Are you already using the Act, but want to know more about how key provisions are being interpreted?

Making a FOI request is straightforward but making an effective request can be more difficult. Requests which ask for too much information can be refused – and some information may be exempt. But a well thought-out request can have a powerful impact, revealing that a policy isn't working or an authority isn't doing its job or generating key information you need for your research.
 
This practical course is designed to help campaigners, journalists and others make the most of the Act and the parallel Environmental Information Regulations. It explains the legislation, shows how to draft clear and effective requests, describes how to challenge unjustified refusals and highlights critical decisions of the Information Commissioner and Tribunal. The course's interactive sessions will encourage you to work out how best to apply the Act in a variety of situations. The course is aimed at both beginners and those who are already using the Act but want to do so more effectively.
 
Price:
Individuals, freelance journalists, small NGOs (with 4 staff or less): £45
Other NGOs (i.e. more than 4 staff), media, others: £90
These prices are subsidised, but if you cannot afford the full price please ask Campaign for Freedom of Information about a reduction.

 
You can book a place online

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Impact of the Care Act 2014 for older people and carers

Positive Ageing in London, the London regional forum on ageing, is glad to invite you to a workshop on 7 July on the impact of the Care Act 2014 for older people and carers. With expert speakers confirmed from Age UK, London Councils, the London Social Care Partnership and the Alzheimer's Society, the event should provide good insights into the difference the Care Act will make and the issues around it achieving its promise.

Time: 7 July 2015 10.30 – 3pm
Place: Accessible venue near Elephant & Castle Tube

Further information and registration

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ABOUT REGIONAL VOICES This e bulletin is published monthly by LVSC as the London region member of Regional Voices.

Regional Voices Logo

Regional Voices champions the work of voluntary and community organisations to improve health, well-being and care, across England. Regional Voices is a partnership of nine regional networks. Together, we directly connect to over 25,000 voluntary and community organisations. Our coverage is broad, deep and well-established. Our vision is for a society where voluntary and community organisations are connected with decision-makers at all levels, able to influence policy and improve community health, care and well-being through better services.

Regional Voices partnership is hosted by Involve Yorkshire and Humber,Registered charity number 1127119   |   Company registration number 6752034

London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC)

Registered charity number 276886   |   Company registration number 1395546

We try to check all the information in this bulletin and the web sites it links to, but we cannot accept responsibility for the contents of the websites and articles or guarantee their validity. Links should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind.

Telephone: 020 7832 5830   |   Email: info@lvsc.org.uk   |    Opt out of all LVSC mailings

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Our Vision and Services

Our vision is of a society where no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health.

Mental health problems are extremely common across society, with one in four of us experiencing them in any year. Despite being so common, people from all communities will still experience discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that can prevent people from speaking out, seeking support and playing full and active roles in our communities. The impact of mental health stigma and discrimination will vary between communities as mental health has a cultural context that affects the way communities talk about the subject and engage with people who have mental health problems. In some cultures depression, for example, doesn't exist and in others an experience of a mental health problem can be attached to a sense of shame.

For the African and Caribbean communities a key issue is the overrepresentation of young African and Caribbean men in mental health services. Misconceptions and stereotypes have led to a perception that this group is more likely to pose a risk of violent behaviour and, as a result, they are more likely to be treated as inpatients and sectioned when compared to other groups. It is well documented that this has led to a fear of talking about mental health issues more openly and a fear of using mental health services. Research by the Race Equality Foundation (2011) also highlighted fears that discrimination against Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and migrant service users will increase in the austerity climate and whilst commissioning arrangements change.

Our Services

· Provide information, advice, advocacy

· Represent diversity communities in Health Care services, policies and strategies

· Organise training in health and social care in collaboration with local colleges

· Provide human resources ( including interpreters) who are suitable to the diversity communities especially to break language and cultural barriers

· Provides domiciliary care and support

· Provide services such specialised support for people with mental health needs, including people who suffer from short-term memory problems, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

· Provide visits to elderly people and help them with outings and home services

· Participate in local authority and NHS consultations , research events and programmes to voice the needs of diversity communities.

· Increase access to services and rights for disadvantaged people and the most vulnerable of our society

· Help and support unemployed people to look for work, including training and job preparation

· Provide legal advice in a range of issues from on Immigration and Asylum , welfare benefits, housing, health, education, community care, and training, employment, etc.

· Provide advice and guidance, information and practical help so that our service users can access opportunities they are entitled to

· Organise training and other community learning opportunities that provide new skills, increase confidence and motivation

· Support our service users to overcome barriers to learning, employment and training

· Provide support for young people with their education, training, confidence building, employment and social needs.

Objectives of our Diversity Living Programme:

· To promote the inclusion and participation of diversity communities* in integrated care.

· To inform policy, locally and nationally, and assisting in the formulation of effective policies, strategies and good practices in integrated care in order to contribute to improved health outcomes for the people from the diversity communities (e.g. Black and minority ethnic communities) and to ensure health services are able to meet their specific needs.

· To improve the quality of life for diversity people with disability, mental health problems and their families and carers through integrated care by providing inclusive advocacy and information.

· To provide service that enable diversity groups and individuals with disability /elderly and their carers to make the right choice for themselves and have an influence on decisions made about their future.

· To promote the rights of diversity people with disability, their families and carers and make sure their rights are safe and protected.

· To promoting access to information regarding healthcare issues and to raise awareness of the needs of diversity disabled children, young people, older people and their families.

· To promote the rights of older and disabled diversity people, helping them overcome and enable them to participate in decisions about their future

· To provide support and information to those suffering the isolation and loneliness that can be associated with disability and old age

· To fight against mental health stigma in refugee, black and minority ethnic communities and ensure no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health or disability.

*Diversity communities are older people, disabled people, Black, Asian, refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities.